Lexical Summary kakoó: To mistreat, to harm, to oppress Original Word: κακόω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to mistreat, harmFrom kakos; to injure; figuratively, to exasperate -- make evil affected, entreat evil, harm, hurt, vex. see GREEK kakos HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 2559 kakóō – to inflict misery (ill-treatment, vexation); to harm, injure. See 2556 (kakos). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kakos Definition to ill-treat NASB Translation embittered (1), harm (2), mistreat (1), mistreated (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2559: κακόωκακόω, κακῷ: future κακώσω; 1 aorist ἐκάκωσα; (κακός); 1. to oppress, afflict, harm, maltreat: τινα, Acts 7:6, 19; Acts 12:1; Acts 18:10; 1 Peter 3:13 (Exodus 5:22; Exodus 23:9 Alex.; in Greek writings from Homer down). 2. by a usage foreign to the classics, to embitter (Vulg.ad iracundiam concito); render evil affected (Psalm 105:32 Strong’s Greek 2559 conveys the idea of inflicting hurt, mistreating, or embittering another person. It encompasses both overt physical harm and the subtler injury of mind or spirit, ranging from persecution to malicious slander. The term is consistently used for hostile action toward God’s people, highlighting the conflict between righteousness and evil that threads through Scripture. Occurrences in Acts • Acts 7:6 quotes God’s covenantal warning that Abraham’s descendants would be “enslaved and oppressed four hundred years,” linking their future suffering in Egypt to a divine plan that would culminate in deliverance. Peter’s Pastoral Assurance 1 Peter 3:13 asks, “Who can harm you if you are zealous for what is good?” Peter does not deny the reality of persecution; instead, he redefines “harm” in light of eternal security. Physical mistreatment cannot derail the believer who stands within God’s favor and ultimate vindication. Old Testament Background The Septuagint frequently employs the same verb for Egyptian oppression (Exodus 1:11–12; 3:7). Moses’ call narrative hinges on God’s awareness of Israel’s being “mistreated,” affirming that divine rescue is sparked by covenant compassion. Acts intentionally mirrors this vocabulary to underline continuity between Israel’s past and the church’s present. Theological Significance 1. Divine Sovereignty in Suffering: Every New Testament occurrence places suffering within the bounds of God’s foreknowledge and redemptive purpose (Acts 7:6; 12:1; 18:10). Practical Ministry Application • Shepherding the Persecuted: Pastors can anchor afflicted believers in the assurance that harm is temporary and bounded by the Father’s will (Acts 18:10; 1 Peter 3:13). Christological Fulfillment Christ endured ultimate mistreatment—betrayal, mockery, crucifixion—turning the enemy’s intent into the means of salvation. His resurrection proves that evil cannot secure the final word; thus every occurrence of κακόω in the life of the church is already answered by the empty tomb. Eschatological Hope Scripture closes with the promise that nothing causing hurt will enter the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:4, 27). The term’s New Testament usage therefore carries an implicit forward look: present mistreatment is temporary, future glory is permanent. Summary Strong’s Greek 2559 traces a line from Israel’s bondage through the church’s persecution to the believer’s ultimate triumph. Every text employing the verb underscores that while enemies intend harm, God transforms affliction into a stage for His faithfulness, safeguarding the advance of His saving purposes and the endurance of His people. Englishman's Concordance Acts 7:6 V-FIA-3PGRK: αὐτὸ καὶ κακώσουσιν ἔτη τετρακόσια NAS: AND THAT THEY WOULD BE ENSLAVED AND MISTREATED FOR FOUR HUNDRED KJV: and entreat [them] evil four hundred INT: it and ill-treat [it] years four hundred Acts 7:19 V-AIA-3S Acts 12:1 V-ANA Acts 14:2 V-AIA-3P Acts 18:10 V-ANA 1 Peter 3:13 V-FPA-NMS Strong's Greek 2559 |
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